Pressley Hosbach may only be a tween, but she does not let age hinder her pursuit of becoming a professional dancer. The 12-year-old Manhattan native has been working professionally since the age of three, getting her start in the modeling industry (Lilly Pulitzer, Children’s Place, Bloomingdale’s, Parents Magazine, Nancy Vuu, Toys R Us, New York Fashion Week). Hosbach began dancing at age seven and has performed in major commercials (Macy’s, ESPN, Universal Halloween) and world tours (Justin Bieber, Jojo Siwa). Hosbach was a part of the dance corp for the Brooklyn Nets NBA team prior to receiving a breakthrough gig: to be one of the seven dancers on Season 8 of Lifetime’s Dance Moms. She now trains with Abby Lee Miller—renowned for her ‘tough love’ coaching approach—in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with teammates and Dance Moms alumni Lilliana Ketchman and Elliana Walmsley. Get to know Hosbach as she takes time off from training to discuss her dance journey:

When did you first develop your passion for dance?

I was born into the dance world because my mom owns two dance studios and my crib was in her office at the studio. Since I grew up in the dance studio, it seemed pretty natural for my mom to put me in dance classes as soon as I was old enough. The funny thing was that when I started, I actually cried every day! I would need to have my mom in the class with me until one day, I just started loving it. After that, I never looked back or wanted to do anything else!

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the dance industry?

Abby [Lee Miller] and Gianna [Martello, Abby’s assistant], of course, but some of my other inspirations that I look up to are Autumn Miller, Kaycee Rice, Alexander Pelaze, Guy Groove, Travis Wall, Talia Favia, and Chehon...just to name a few.

Why did you decide to audition for Dance Moms?

I had taken a class from Gianna and Guy Groove, and they told me to audition for the new season. I actually had auditioned previously and made it to the last round, so it was definitely something I had always wanted to do.

Was there a lot of pressure to live up to the legacy of the previous cast?

There was definitely a lot of pressure, not just from Abby but more so from the fans. I feel like we have an amazing team and have proved that we can live up to the original team’s legacy. However, we have also shown that we are our own individual, new team.

What is your favorite part about being on the team? What is the most challenging part?

The best part about being on the team is getting to train under Abby and Gianna and also getting to make friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The most challenging part would definitely have to be when the moms are fighting with each other and with Abby. I just try to block it out, not get upset, and not let it get in my head.

What is the most important lesson Abby has taught you thus far?

Abby has taught me about hard work and perseverance. I now know that you can do anything as long as you work hard and believe in yourself.

What is your favorite routine you’ve performed on the show to date?

Probably my solo called “Flower Child!” I also loved the group dance “Rising from the Ashes.”

Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments you can share?

One time, Miss Abby took us to an amusement park to take pictures, but the one picture she wanted was on a bridge, so we had to wait for the right time of day when the lighting would be good. While we waited, we went on all the rides and forgot about it. We went on a water ride three times in a row and got soaking wet; we ruined our outfits and hair and makeup so we never got to take the one picture Miss Abby wanted.

What is your endgame? What do you ultimately hope to accomplish in the future?

Of course, I would love to continue dancing, but I would also love to branch out and do acting. Since I’m only 12, I don’t know what the future holds, but I‘m definitely looking forward to anything that comes my way!